Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery Welcomes Spine Surgeon Dr. Catherine Olinger
Board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon to join VSON on February 1, 2027
EDWARDS, CO – Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON) is pleased to announce that Catherine Olinger, MD, MS, will join the practice on February 1, 2027, expanding access to specialized spine care for patients throughout Eagle County, Summit County, and the surrounding mountain communities. Dr. Olinger will participate in all insurance plans currently accepted by VSON.
Dr. Olinger is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in the treatment of complex spinal conditions, with a particular focus on spine trauma. Her clinical expertise includes cervical myelopathy, degenerative disc disease, degenerative scoliosis, anterior-based lumbar approaches, and minimally invasive spine surgery.
Dr. Olinger joins VSON from the University of Iowa, where she has served as an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Spine Surgery. During her time in academic medicine, she treated patients with complex spinal disorders, directed the orthopedic spine fellowship program, and mentored the next generation of orthopedic surgeons.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Olinger is an accomplished researcher and recognized leader in the field of spine surgery. She has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, with research focused on improving surgical outcomes, postoperative pain management, and recovery for spine surgery patients.
Her professional accomplishments include:
2025 Lori A. Karol, MD Women in Spine Award, presented by the Scoliosis Research Society.
Associate Editor of Spine, a leading peer-reviewed journal in spinal care and research.
Co-Chair of the North American Spine Society's Spine Surgery Fundamentals Work Group.
Faculty Member of AO Spine North America, contributing to spine surgery education and professional development.
Recipient of a $50,000 Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) research grant, supporting research to improve recovery and reduce complications in older adults undergoing spinal fusion.
Dr. Olinger earned her medical degree, magna cum laude, and a Master of Science in Clinical Anatomy, summa cum laude, from Creighton University. She completed her orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center–Campbell Clinic, followed by a fellowship in orthopedic spine surgery at the University of Washington's Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
With her extensive surgical training, academic background, and commitment to advancing spine care, Dr. Olinger brings valuable expertise to VSON's multidisciplinary team. Her approach emphasizes individualized treatment and helping patients make informed decisions about their spine health.
Dr. Olinger will begin seeing patients on February 1, 2027, and will accept all insurance plans currently accepted by VSON.
To learn more about Dr. Olinger and her areas of expertise, please visit: Dr. Catherine Olinger.
About Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery
Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery provides comprehensive orthopedic and spine care to patients throughout Colorado's mountain communities. With a team of specialized physicians and advanced treatment options, VSON is committed to helping patients restore mobility, reduce pain, and return to the activities they love.
